How to install Yandex search by default on Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide

Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones use Google as the default search engine, both in the browser and in system search. However, many users prefer Yandex for more relevant results in Russian, integration with local services and a user-friendly interface. You can switch to Yandex in several ways, but the process is not always obvious due to the features of the firmware.

In this article you will find the current methods of setting Yandex by default for all modern Xiaomi models (Redmi, POCO, Black Shark, including circumvention of restrictions MIUI. We will look at changing the search engine in the browser, system search, through the settings of Google App and even using the ADB-Special attention is paid to the problems that may arise when changing the search engine and how to solve them.

Why is Yandex better than Google for Xiaomi users in Russia?

Before we move on to the settings, let’s understand in which cases Yandex becomes preferable to Google on Xiaomi smartphones:

• 📍 Local results: Yandex more accurately determines geolocation in Russian cities and offers current addresses of organizations, transport schedules, traffic jams.
• 🇷🇺 Russian-language content: Yandex algorithms rank websites in Russian better, especially in niche topics (legal advice, equipment repair, regional news).
• 🔍 Integration with services: Search immediately gives results from Yandex.Maps, Market, Weather, Translator without going to other sites.
• 🛡️ Yandex does not block access to some Russian resources that may be restricted by Google due to sanctions.

Google remains the leader in global search, translation quality, and YouTube integration, and the best solution is to use both search engines depending on the task, but if you want to make Yandex the main search engine, read on.

Method 1: Change the search engine in the MIUI browser

The easiest way is to change the search engine in the standard MIUI browser. This does not affect system search (for example, in a widget or when swiping left on the home screen), but will allow you to search through Yandex when you enter queries in the address bar.

1. Open the MIUI Browser (Blue Globe icon).
2. Slip on the three points in the lower right corner → Settings.
3. Select Search Engine (or Default in some versions).
4. In the list of available search engines, select Yandex. If it is not available, click Add search engine and type: https://yandex.ru/search/?text=%s
5. Save the changes and restart the browser.

⚠️ Note: In some regional firmware Xiaomi (for example, for Europe), the option to change the search engine may be blocked. In this case, use Google Chrome or Yandex.Browser - in them, the change of search engine is always available.

Update your MIUI browser to the latest version|

Check your internet connection |

Download Yandex.Browser as a backup option |

Remember the current search settings in case of rollbacks-->

Method 2: Configure Yandex in Google App (system search)

System search on Xiaomi (called swipe left on the home screen or via a widget) uses Google Assistant by default. To replace it with Yandex, you will need:

1. Open the Google app (the icon with the colored letter "G").
2. Slip on the avatar in the upper right corner → Settings → General.
3. Select Search Engine.
4. If Yandex is not listed, click Other search engines and add: https://yandex.ru/search/?text=%s
5. Return to the main Settings menu and select Voice Search → Web Search → specify Yandex.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro after update MIUI before 14+ The option to change the search engine in Google App may disappear, in this case, only installing Yandex.Search as a separate application will help.

Method 3: Install Yandex.Search as the main application

If the system methods do not work, the most reliable option is to download the official Yandex.Search application and make it the main one:

1. Install Yandex.Search from Google Play.
2. Open the application and allow all the permissions requested (geolocation, file access, etc.).
3. Go to Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Search App.
4. Select Yandex.Search from the list.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 Automatic update of search algorithms without depending on the MIUI.
• 📱 Yandex widget on the main screen with quick access to the weather, currency rate, traffic jams.
• 🔒 Ability to synchronize search history between devices.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware for China (China) ROM) Installation of third-party search applications may be blocked, in which case you will need to unlock the bootloader and install Global ROM.

💡

If Google still opens the search after installing Yandex.Search, try disabling the Google app through settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google →Switch off).This can cause some services to crash, so only use this method if others have not helped.

Method 4: Using ADB to force a searcher change (for advanced ones)

If your Xiaomi does not allow you to change the search engine by standard methods, you can resort to the search engine. ADB-This requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and having basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and check the connection with the command: Adb devices
4. Follow the command to change the search engine (replace com.android.googlequicksearchbox with your search app ID if you are using a non-standard Google App): adb shell settings put global settings search_assist_package ru.yandex.searchplugin
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause firmware to crash. Before you execute commands, back up your data via Mi Cloud or locally. ADB System search stopped working, return settings with the team:

adb shell settings delete global search_assist_package

Problems and mistakes when changing search engine to Xiaomi

Even after successful Yandex default setting, Xiaomi users may face problems.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI: On some beta versions of firmware, searcher change options may be temporarily disabled.
• 🔒 Administrator rights: Antiviruses or security applications (e.g., Xiaomi Security) can block changes.
• 🌍 Device region: If the phone is purchased abroad, some settings may be limited. → Additionally. → Region.

💡

The most reliable way is to combine the installation of Yandex.Search as the default application + disable Google App updates. This minimizes the risk of automatic resetting.

Additional settings for maximum convenience

To make the search through Yandex even more effective, configure these parameters:

• 🔍 Quick search from the home screen: Long tap on the home screen → Find the widget Yandex.Search (4×1 or 4×2) And drag it on the screen, and adjust the information you see (weather, currency, traffic jams).
• 🎤 Voice search: In the Yandex.Search application go to Settings → Voice assistant and activate voice results. You can now search by voice even when the screen is locked (configure Settings in Settings) → Lock screen → Voice assistant).
• 🌐 Synchronization with the browser: If you use Yandex.Browser, enable synchronization of history and bookmarks in Settings → This will allow you to continue searching on the PC from the same place.